Should You Splash Your Cash on a Hi-Res Camera or Better Glass? (VIDEO)
Like it or not we live in an era where camera manufactures compete with each other for how much resolution their products offer. But there’s a big difference between what you want and what you really need. That’s why, budget notwithstanding, it’s time to ask yourself how many megapixels are necessary for your style of photography.
Another question arises when you factor in the cost of investing in new gear; namely, will you be better served by an expensive new camera or by dumping you kit lenses and purchasing better glass. This 12-minute tutorial answers these questions and more by evaluating the benefits (and drawbacks) of the latest high-megapixel wonders for different types of photography.
Instructor Gavin Hardcastle is a Canadian landscape pro whose videos span the gamut from behind-the scenes shooting tutorials, post-processing techniques, up-to-date gear talk, and more. This episode is all about the best way to spend your hard-earned cash in a way that will result in higher-quality imagery (rather than wishful glances from envious photographers).
An informed decision to upgrade a camera for a newer model with greater resolution rests on several key valuables, beginning with the types of images you shoot most. Is landscape photography your thing, or are you more interested in portraiture, sports/action photography, or capturing nature and wildlife images in the field.
For some shooters it’s sort of like the speedometer on a car with a top limit of 140mph—even though you never drive faster than 80. In other words, there are a few questions to ask yourself before taking the high-res route. How important is cropping to you? Are you more concerned with weather-sealing or dynamic range?
And what about the manner in which you share and display your imagery; namely, do you regularly make large prints and submit your work for publication, or just need your photographs to look great online?
After discussing these issues Hardcastle demonstrates the difference a good piece of glass makes in terms of sharpness and price by delving into some Raw files from his recent shoot with the OM1 Mark II—a highly regarded, small sensor micro-four-thirds camera. He also illustrates the kind of results you can expect when upscaling images to the point where you may start wondering if a super high-resolution camera makes sense for you.
There’s much more to learn on Hardcastle’s interesting YouTube channel, so be sure to pay a visit when you have time to explore.
We also recommend watching the tutorial we featured with another top landscape photographer who demonstrates how to choose the most appropriate ISO setting for every outdoor image you shoot.
